Rate Of California Cerebral Palsy Cases Has Declined
The Los Angeles Times reports that the rate of cerebral palsy, a birth complication, has dropped. Cerebral palsy is a type of brain injury that affects motor function, including muscle tone, motor skills and movement. It is typically caused by brain damage occurring before or during the birth process.
The precise causes of cerebral palsy are unknown, but it has been linked to pre-mature births and in some cases, delivery room errors. Commonly, birth trauma occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen is restricted during the birthing process. The failure of medical personnel to respond promptly – such as by performing an emergency c-section – may result in long-term injuries such as cerebral palsy. In such instances, the responsible medical staff may be guilty of medical malpractice.
Recent studies of infants born in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands have shown both a decrease in the number of infants who develop cerebral palsy as well as the severity. The improvements were attributed to “general improved perinatal care.” As San Francisco medical malpractice lawyers, we are hopeful that this trend continues.
For more information or if your child has been the victim of birth injury or trauma, please contact one of our dedicated California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP.
